Private School Cost: Plano vs San Diego
Plano averages $8,400/year less for private school (66% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $109,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Plano is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,800/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.
Plano
TX
$12,800
avg tuition/year
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Plano | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,800/yr | $21,200/yr | -$8,400 |
| Religious Schools | $8,700/yr | $11,500/yr | -$2,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,100/yr | $36,500/yr | -$9,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,900/yr | $17,500/yr | -$6,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,800/yr | $21,200/yr | -$8,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,400/yr | $26,000/yr | -$10,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Plano
$166,400
San Diego
$275,600
Choosing Plano saves $109,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $218,400.
Sample Schools
Plano
Prestonwood Christian Academy
Christian · PK–12 · $18,200/yr
Parish Episcopal School (Plano)
Independent · PK–12 · $24,800/yr
St. Mark the Evangelist School
Catholic · K–8 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
San Diego
Bishop's School
Independent · 7–12 · $43,200/yr
La Jolla Country Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,800-$41,200/yr
Francis Parker School
Independent · K–12 · $36,400-$38,800/yr
Cathedral Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,800/yr
Related Comparisons
About This Comparison
This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.
Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.